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Doing Good Index 2024: India’s Social Sector Needs More Support from Government, Corporates

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India’s social sector calls for more corporate funding and tax incentives for giving

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS), GuideStar India and the Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy (CAP) collaborated to present India’s performance on the Doing Good Index 2024 report. The biennial study highlights the policies and incentives that can maximize philanthropic giving and foster a thriving and effective social sector. In 2024, India maintained its position in the ‘Doing Okay’ cluster, unchanged since 2018, revealing areas of strength as well as opportunities for India to further nurture its social sector.

“There is a profound trust deficit, and it is getting more serious,” said Dr. Ruth Shapiro, CEO and Co-Founder of CAPS, “In fact, 44% say they are trusted by society, which is down from 2022 when 55% felt that way. Additionally, only 26% say they are trusted by government, which helps us to understand the increasingly stringent regulatory environment. We need to do more to build trust.”

“Wealth in India is growing, and encouragingly, we are seeing private philanthropy – especially family philanthropy, retail giving and CSR – growing alongside it,” said Pushpa Aman Singh, Founder of GuideStar India, “Domestic philanthropy has a real potential to help tackle social problems in India, and the social sector wants to see continued support from the government through enabling regulations. The Social Stock Exchange is a good step by the government to promote domestic private philanthropy, but it needs continued nurturing.”

“The regulations governing India’s social sector have seen a number of changes in the past few years, including changes to the income tax regime, which have made sub-granting increasingly difficult for grantmaking foundations,” said Noshir Dadrawala, CEO of Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy (CAP), “For social sector organizations in India, keeping up with the changing regulatory landscape is not easy.”

India’s performance on the Doing Good Index 2024

1.  The role of social sector organizations remains important

69% of organizations in India report that the number of beneficiaries they reach and demand for their services has increased in the past 12 months, while 76% report increased demand for their services or products.76% of social sector organizations in India feel optimistic about their organization’s future, and 69% feel optimistic about the social sector as a whole.

2.  The use of digital technology by the social sector in Asia is on the rise, but some organizations need more support

Social sector organizations in India are increasingly utilizing digital technology. 81% use digital technology to carry out their work, with 99% intending to increase their use of digital technology in the next two years.While 89% of organizations in India have sufficient access to the Internet (above the Asian average of 84%), just 52% report having sufficient access to computers and tablets for their staff.Social sector organizations are insufficiently protected against digital threats. Just 23% of surveyed organizations in India have a cybersecurity plan, and only 21% have undertaken staff training to help prevent cyber-attacks.

3.  Government continues to send mixed messages on social sector regulations 

India’s registration process for social sector organizations requires two clearances and takes around 125 days, comparable to the Asian average of three clearances and 123 days.However, laws pertaining to the social sector are not easy to understand, with 67% of organizations in India finding it difficult, higher than the Asian average of 55%.On a positive note, 72% of social sector organizations in India believe that social sector laws are generally enforced, above the Asian average of 63%.

4.  Funding to the social sector has remained mostly unchanged 

Funding from domestic sources—individuals, foundations, and companies—remains the most important source of funding, making up 48%, by proportion, of an Indian organization’s budget, compared to the Asia average of 42%. Nevertheless, most social sector organizations in India (80%) believe domestic funding is low.India’s Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) continues to place significant pressure on social sector organizations that receive foreign funding. Obtaining the necessary approvals to receive foreign funding takes an average of two years, with increased scrutiny making it more difficult for applications to be approved.

5.  Companies are engaged but there is room to do more 

In India, 55% of organizations receive corporate funding, on par with the Asian average. Corporate funding makes up 23% of an average organization’s budget, up from 16% in 2022.67% of social sector organizations in India work with corporate volunteers, slightly higher than the Asia average of 63%.India stands out for its progressive CSR requirements. Qualifying companies must allocate 2% of pre-tax profit to CSR, resulting in a significant uptick of corporate funding for social good.

Download the Doing Good Index 2024 here and visit the interactive microsite.

The Doing Good Index 2024 

The Doing Good Index studies the regulatory and societal environment in which private capital is directed toward doing good in Asia. Now in its fourth iteration, the Index identifies the policies and incentives that can drive private capital to the social sector and considers how stakeholders can build stronger, more trusting connections. It is an evidence-based resource for policymakers, philanthropists, academics and nonprofit leaders, offering in-depth insights and best practices to increase and enhance philanthropic giving. The Doing Good Index 2024 surveyed 2,183 social sector organizations and 140 experts across 17 economies: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Vietnam. This iteration of the report also includes a special thematic section on the impact of digital technology on Asia’s social sector.

About the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS) 

Established in 2013, the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS) is a uniquely Asian, independent, action-oriented research and advisory organization, committed to improving the quality and quantity of philanthropic giving throughout Asia. Our mission is to improve the social investment sector in Asia by researching and advising best practices, models, policies, and strategies that can contribute to positive system change. More information on CAPS research and services is available at: http://caps.org/ 

About GuideStar India

GuideStar India enables greater giving by enhancing trust and transparency. It is India’s most exhaustive source of NGO information with its NGO information repository http://www.guidestarindia.org, illuminating the work of India’s civil society and serving as the backbone for India’s philanthropy ecosystem. GuideStar India enhances the discovery, visibility and credibility of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) by making information on more than 12,000 NGOs accessible in the public domain. GuideStar India’s certification of NGOs is considered the gold standard for NGO due diligence in India. Its Platinum, Gold and Silver Certified NGOs cover diverse thematic areas and work across India. GuideStar India equips policy makers, regulators and changemakers with information and insights to drive social impact. Learn more: https://guidestarindia.org/

About Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy

Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy (CAP) is a Mumbai-based support organization, established in 1986 with a mandate to be a credible and comprehensive resource on charitable activity in India. CAP’s vision is to build a legally compliant, well-governed, empowered philanthropic sector in India. CAP offers complete compliance advisory to nonprofit organizations, enabling them to be compliant in every respect, in the following areas – Legal, Fundraising, Board Governance, Human Resources, Volunteer Management, Strategy, Communication & CSR Compliance. Learn more: https://capindia.in/about-us/

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Fitterfly Healthtech and Ascensia Diabetes Care Launch a 21-Day Diabetes Management Program on World Diabetes Day

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November 14, 2024

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MUMBAI, India, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — This World Diabetes Day, on 14th November, Fitterfly Healthtech and Ascensia Diabetes Care are joining hands to launch a complimentary 21-day Diabetes Management Program for Ascensia’s glucometer users. This initiative aims to make diabetes care simpler and more effective for people, offering them personalised support, expert guidance, and easy-to-use tools.

For many, managing diabetes can feel overwhelming. Even with the right tools, knowing where to start can be challenging and confusing. That’s why this 21-day program is designed to help users get started on a wellness journey and build lasting habits, as 21 days is the time it takes to set a habit. By simply scanning a QR code on the warranty page of Ascensia’s glucometer, users can join the Fitterfly program and access diet plans, a 24/7 AI wellness coach, group sessions with diabetes experts, glucose tracking and insights, food diary tracking, assessments, and more. With each step, this structured support brings confidence and clarity, helping users feel truly in control of their health.

Albertraj Balraj, Country Head and Director at Ascensia Diabetes Care India Pvt Ltd., commented, “Glucometers and Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose (SMBG) play an important role in effective blood sugar monitoring. Through this partnership, we aim to offer people a 360° solution by combining our world-class glucometer with Fitterfly’s advanced tools and expert support to make diabetes management truly simple for everyone. We want people to approach diabetes care with confidence and without fear.”

Dr Arbinder Singal, CEO & co-founder of Fitterfly Healthtech, added, “Lifestyle management remains the first line of therapy for type 2 diabetes. Our collaboration with Ascensia makes it easy for people to take control of their health and get started on a journey to lower their blood sugar sustainably. By linking their glucometer to our Fitterfly app, users can track their readings, gain insights, and learn to manage diabetes with ease.”

This partnership is a true example of two brands joining forces to reduce the diabetes burden in the country.

To know more about Fitterfly’s Diabetes Programs, visit Fitterfly.

About Fitterfly

Fitterfly is a leading Indian healthtech company specialising in digital therapeutic programs for managing diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Co-founded in 2016 by Dr Arbinder Singal and Shailesh Gupta, the Mumbai-based company employs over 200 professionals, including doctors, nutritionists, fitness experts, and technologists. Fitterfly aims to improve metabolic health by focusing on conditions like prediabetes, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and heart disease. Fitterfly has significantly contributed to health technology research, publishing over 80 papers and winning numerous awards, including the Economic Times Healthtech Startup of the Year 2022. Fitterfly has raised $16.6 million in funding, with its last round in June 2022 led by Amazon with support from Fireside Ventures, 9 Unicorns, and Venture Catalysts.

About Ascensia Diabetes Care

Ascensia Diabetes Care is a global company focused entirely on helping people with diabetes. Our mission is to empower those living with diabetes through innovative solutions that simplify and improve their lives. We are home to the world-renowned CONTOUR® portfolio of blood glucose monitoring systems and the exclusive global distribution partner for the Eversense® Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems from Senseonics. Ascensia is a member of PHC Group and was established in 2016 through the acquisition of Bayer Diabetes Care by PHC Holdings Corporation. Ascensia products are sold in more than 100 countries. Ascensia has around 1,400 employees and operations in 29 countries. For further information, please visit the Ascensia Diabetes Care website at www.ascensia.com.

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Eco-documentary A Chorus of Frogs officially launched

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November 14, 2024

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NANJING, China, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, the ecological documentary A Chorus of Frogs produced by Nanjing Newspaper Media Group was officially launched. The film told the story of Wang Ningjing, a post-95s Nanjing girl, who returned to the countryside to find the Chinese immaculate treefrog and shoot a documentary.

https://youtu.be/V8aI9PIFalA?si=Mcc6iP5FeAk3Y8OF

Wang Ningjing, the post-95s generation from Nanjing, is currently studying wildlife filmmaking in the UK. Professor Borzée Amaël from Nanjing Forestry University, who grew up in Madagascar, has been researching treefrogs over ten years.

Unlike most girls who like fairy tales, Wang has been passionate about creature and nature since childhood. Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo, not far from her home, was a place she often visited as a child.

“I see one. Is that it？……That one on the wheat. So beautiful!” The species’ breeding season is May and June. During this period, Professor Amaël conducted regular field surveys to locate populations of the treefrog, known for its unique calls that can be heard from a distance. The documentary began with Wang listening to the calls of the treefrog in the fields at night.

A Chorus of Frogs is positioned as an ecological and humanistic documentary. By following Wang Ningjing and Amer to explore the traces of the Chinese immaculate treefrog, it vividly tells the story of people and frogs.

Chinese path to modernization has the distinctive features of respecting nature, following its laws and protect it as well as promoting harmony between humans and nature. The harmonious coexistence between human and the environment is important not only to China but to the world as well.

Where does the Chinese immaculate treefrog go? I believe everyone will find their own answer after watching.

Nanjing Newspaper Media Group, a state-owned media group in Nanjing City, was established on December 17, 2002 with the approval from the National Press and Publication Administration. In recent years, the group has seized strategic opportunities for media convergence to develop a new type of mainstream media based on the Internet. Fully committed to mobile first, it has accelerated the establishment of all-media communication system. The group’s flagship brand, Zijinshan Video, focuses on short video creation, particularly the production of documentaries. It currently has more than 65 million followers across all platforms.

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8aI9PIFalA

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Avathon Partners with CP PLUS, Largest CCTV Manufacturer in India, to Enhance Public Safety while Strengthening Community Bonds

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November 14, 2024

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PLEASANTON, Calif., Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Avathon, provider of the leading AI platform for industrial operations, has partnered with CP PLUS, one of the largest manufacturers of CCTV cameras, to create safer, more connected societies by bundling Avathon’s computer vision technology with each camera. The companies are bringing Avathon’s computer vision AI capabilities to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across India, turning their cameras into intelligent assets that enable more secure workplaces, factories and facilities.           

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s hard to keep an eye on every single detail, every minute of the day. Computer vision AI technology gives users the freedom and control to go about their daily lives knowing they will receive proactive alerts identifying safety and security issues in real time.

“Increasing demand for advanced public safety tools, smart home devices and integrated AI-powered cameras is fueling massive industry growth,” said Aditya Khemka, Managing Director, CP PLUS, a subsidiary of Aditya Group. “Our partnership with Avathon will help us to better deliver state-of-the-art AI-powered solutions that feature advanced functions like real-time anomaly detection and intelligent monitoring.”

Avathon’s computer vision AI automatically detects and alerts unsafe conditions and incidents in real time, allowing users to proactively take the right actions. Avathon enables business owners using valuable resources to monitor CCTV camera feeds to get back to focusing on operations. The company partners with OEM camera manufacturers by providing AI technology that enables end customers to quickly and accurately address processes, behaviors, and conditions that cause unacceptable risk. Through its partnership with CP PLUS, Avathon has democratized this technology, giving access to large organizations and small businesses alike.

CP PLUS is India’s leading surveillance brand with the most extensive portfolio in the entire global industry. Representing a major share of the Indian CCTV market, CP PLUS offers a range of products and services to meet the varied needs of government, commercial, residential, and industrial customers and its products are successfully deployed in every nook and corner of India and many countries across verticals and industry.

“AI cameras are paving the path forward in India toward smart-city initiatives and enhanced public safety improvements. In this sometimes disconnected world, it’s comforting to rely on a technology that instantly alerts users to potential dangers and other anomalies,” said Pervinder Johar, CEO of Avathon. “We’re proud to partner with CP PLUS to provide the AI innovations needed to push India to the leading edge of technological advancement.”

About Avathon

Avathon, a leader in Industrial AI, extends the life of critical infrastructure while advancing the journey toward full autonomy. Avathon’s Industrial AI platform empowers commercial and government customers with scalable, secure, and value-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and resilience across heavy industry.

Media contact:

Jon Ross
Sr. PR & Communications Manager
Avathon
jross@avathon.com

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